This won't add any meaningful insight but I just thought I'd share my thoughts. I work in the DC area as a research consultant for both K-12 (typically Depts. of Ed at the State level as well as school districts in all 50 states), higher ed institutions (both private and public), and educational service companies. A group of us at the office held a viewing event for the hearing. Across party lines, the entire room was filled with looks of utter fear, sadness, and disgust. I am in a broad 'team support' kind of role and far from an expert, but I am privileged to have the insight of my colleagues who have decades of industry expertise and extensive education from top institutions. Our office is left-leaning, but even the few Trump supporters admitted that they had zero confidence in DeVos. The sad part is that she will be confirmed.

The good news is that we have already started discussions on the damage control work that we can do to minimize the anticipated shit show. Yes, she will likely put into place absolutely terrible regulations but, at the very least, there are a lot of brilliant people in the middle between her and our schools who will do everything they can to identify workarounds to minimize the damage. Some things will be easier to manage than others, but our clients take our work and recommendations to heart. It's a very small consolation, but she seems dumb and far enough removed that I have a glimmer of hope that accomplished experts in the field will find ways to influence the DOE - and more importantly, aid our clients in the continued march toward progress.